Smart Summers Make Great Futures

In summer, the lack of affordable child care and the achievement gap collide for lower income families. Most kids lose math skills over the summer, but low income children also lose, on average, more than two months of reading skills — and they don’t gain them back. That puts them nearly three years behind higher income peers by the end of fifth grade, and the gap just keeps getting wider. Researchers credit the “summer slide” for about half of the overall difference in academic achievement between lower and higher income students.

Today, we are asking you to give kids and teens in Santa Cruz County a summer full of friends, learning, and fun.

$65 will send one member to our summer camp and learning opportunities for a week.

$260 will send one member to our summer camp and learning opportunities for a month.

$600 will provide a member summer camp and learning opportunities for the entire summer.

Without affordable quality summer programs, the impact of summer learning losses have later life consequences including high school curriculum placement, high school dropout rate and college attendance. The good news is that summer learning programs targeted to low-income students can help close the achievement gap that has been attributed, at least in part, to cumulative learning loss during the summers. Effects of summer learning programs endure for at least two years after participation (McCombs, 2011).

When communities are equipped to support the whole child for the whole year, they are healthier, safer and smarter. Please consider giving a child or teen in Santa Cruz County a summer experience that will change their life.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is a youth service organization promoting youth guidance through educational, vocational, recreational, social, and character development. Our staff members are trained to provide leadership and guidance through individual assistance, small group, and drop-in activities.

ALERT: It has come to our attention that there have been several instances of people soliciting money for Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County throughout the county. Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County as a policy never solicits for donations door-to-door. If you're approached at your home or business by someone claiming to represent BGCSCC, calmly deny them,immediately call your local police or sheriff, and notify our organization.

Downtown, Live Oak, and Aliberti Afterschool Club Hours

Monday

2:00pm - 7:00pm

Tuesday

2:00pm - 7:00pm

Wednesday

12:30pm - 7:00pm

Thursday

2:00pm - 7:00pm

Friday

2:00pm - 7:00pm

Saturday

closed

Sunday

closed

Community Partners

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County is grateful for the commitment and generous support of all our Community Partners. Thank you for giving kids and teens the opportunity to be successful in life, in school, and in our community. Visit our Community Partners page to learn more.